Edinburgh St James secures top brands ahead of October opening

Nuveen Real Estate's £1bn Edinburgh St James development seems to have proved it has what it takes to become the city’s key retail hub.

The first phase of the development launches in October 2020 - Edinburgh St James’

How so? The project has announced the signing of another 12 international retailers in addition to big names already signed up, with the likes of H&M, Mango, & Other Stories, Russell & Bromley and JD Sports all taking space ahead of the launch of the development’s phase one this October.

H&M will open a 27,000 sq ft, two-storey shop, while Mango has committed to open its second store in Scotland in a 5,000 sq ft unit showcasing its full ranges for women, men and children.

& Other Stories is making its Scottish debut with a 5,900 sq ft store, while British shoe firm Russell & Bromley has taken a 2,500 sq ft store in a central position on level three.

JD Sports is expanding its existing presence in the city with a new 11,000 sq ft store at the retail development.

Jewellers/watch retailers Goldsmiths, Breitiling, Omega and Pandora, plus Hotel Chocolat and Sunglass Hut, part of Italy’s Luxottica Group, will also be part of the retail line-up, Edinburgh St James has announced.

Meanwhile, three food operators, Five Guys, @pizza and Yo! To Go, are set to bolster the centre’s leisure offer with new concepts.

Chris Pyne, leasing director at Edinburgh St James, commented: “These latest 15 signings underline our vision for [the development] which is to bring greater choice to both the residents of and visitors to Edinburgh. Our vision is to secure brands new to the city and Scotland, and significantly larger stores showcasing the most comprehensive product ranges available, within the very best of retail design and innovation.”

In addition to over 85 retail stores and 30 food and beverage units, the mixed-used development will incorporate a W Hotel, 152 new homes and Edinburgh’s first Everyman cinema.